The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has announced the DECE LE 2026 (Diploma Entrance Competitive Examination – Lateral Entry) for admission into the second year of diploma engineering and other diploma programmes in polytechnic institutions across Bihar. This state‑level entrance test provides a **direct lateral entry route into 2nd year (summer admission) diploma courses for eligible candidates.
Students who have completed Class 12 (Science / Vocational / ITI) and want to take lateral entry admission must apply online before the deadline. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure a seat in reputed Bihar polytechnic colleges for the academic year 2026‑27!
Important Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative / Expected) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | March 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 2nd/3rd week of March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 2nd week of April 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 2nd week of April 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 3rd/4th week of April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Late April 2026 |
| Exam Date (DECE LE 2026) | 1st/2nd week of May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 2nd/3rd week of June 2026 |
Candidates must submit their application forms before the last date to appear in the DECE LE 2026 exam and take part in counselling.
Application Fee
Complete your application submission by paying the requisite fee online:
- General / UR: Approx. ₹400‑₹500
- OBC / EWS: Approx. ₹400‑₹500
- SC / ST / PH: Approx. ₹250
- Payment Mode: Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI
(Exact fee details will be published in the official notification upon release.)
Post Details & Eligibility
The DECE LE 2026 exam is for lateral entry admission into diploma courses for eligible candidates.
| Course / Entry | Total Seats | Age Limit | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma Engineering | As per institute | Minimum: 16‑17 years | 10+2 (Science) / ITI / Vocational |
| Polytechnic Lateral Entry | As per institute | As per rules | 10+2 with PCM / ITI |
| Other Diploma Courses | As per institute | As per rules | Equivalent technical qualification |
Lateral entry allows eligible applicants to join directly in the 2nd year of diploma programmes in government and private polytechnic colleges throughout Bihar.
Category Vacancy (Reservation Rules)
Seat distribution follows the Government of Bihar reservation norms:
| Category | Seats / Reservation |
|---|---|
| UR / General | As per rules |
| EWS | As per rules |
| OBC | As per rules |
| SC | As per rules |
| ST | As per rules |
Exact seat matrix will be published later with counselling schedules and allotment details after the result is declared.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The DECE LE 2026 exam assesses candidates’ knowledge in core science and mathematics:
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline (OMR Based)
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 150 Questions
- Total Marks: 600 Marks (Each question 4 marks)
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Negative Marking: No (generally)
- Language: English & Hindi
Syllabus Subject
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
The DECE LE syllabus covers topics from Class 11 & 12 level and relevant ITI subjects suited for Diploma Engineering lateral entry.
Candidates should thoroughly prepare the above subjects to score high and improve their rank for counselling.
How to Apply for DECE LE 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:
- Visit official BCECEB portal: bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
- Click on DECE LE 2026 – Apply Online.
- Register with Mobile Number and Email ID.
- Fill the DECE LE application form with personal & academic details.
- Upload required documents (Photo, Signature, ID proofs).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Carefully check all details before hitting the final submit button to avoid rejection in the process.
Required Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Passport size photograph
- Candidate’s signature
- 10th / 12th mark sheet
- ITI certificate (if applicable)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar / PAN)
- Domicile certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
Matching documents exactly with application form entries is crucial to avoid issues during counselling.
Selection Process
The DECE LE 2026 admission process consists of:
- Entrance Examination
- Result Declaration
- Counselling Registration
- Choice Filling (College & Branch)
- Seat Allotment
- Document Verification
Qualified candidates based on merit and reservation criteria will be allotted seats during counselling.
Important Links
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Download Prospectus | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| BCECEB Official Website | Click Here |
Regularly visit the official BCECEB site for updates on admit card, answer key, results, and counselling schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is DECE LE 2026?
DECE LE 2026 is the Diploma Entrance Competitive Examination – Lateral Entry conducted by the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board for direct 2nd year diploma admissions.
2. What is the last date to apply for DECE LE 2026?
The application deadline is expected in the 2nd week of April 2026.
3. When will the DECE LE 2026 exam be conducted?
The exam is likely scheduled in the 1st/2nd week of May 2026.
4. What is the application fee for DECE LE?
Application fee generally ranges between ₹400‑₹500 for General/OBC and ₹250 for SC/ST/PH candidates.
5. What is the eligibility for DECE LE admission?
Candidates must have completed Class 12 (Science) / ITI / Vocational qualification to be eligible.
6. What is the exam pattern of DECE LE 2026?
The exam has 150 MCQs, spread across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, carrying 4 marks each, with a total of 600 marks.
7. Is there negative marking in the exam?
Generally, there is no negative marking in DECE LE.
8. Where can I apply for DECE LE 2026?
Apply online at the official BCECEB portal:
https://bceceboard.bihar.gov.in